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Optometrists

(D.O.T.  079.101-018)

Nature of the Work

Over half the people in the United States wear glasses or contact
lenses.  Optometrists (doctors of optometry, also known as O.D.'s)
provide most of the primary vision care people need.

   Optometrists examine people's eyes to diagnose vision problems and
eye disease.  They treat vision problems, and in most States, they
treat certain eye diseases such as conjunctivitis or corneal
infections, as well.  Optometrists use instruments and observation
to examine eye health and to test patients' visual acuity, depth and
color perception, and their ability to focus and coordinate the
eyes.  They analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, vision therapy,
and low vision aids.  They use drugs for diagnosis in all States
and, as of 1993, they may use topical and oral drugs to treat some
eye diseases in 37 States.  Optometrists often provide postoperative
care to cataract patients.  When optometrists diagnose conditions
that require care beyond the optometric scope of practice such as
diabetes or high blood pressure, they refer patients to other health
practitioners.

   Optometrists should not be confused with ophthalmologists or
dispensing opticians.  Ophthalmologists are physicians who diagnose
and treat eye diseases and injuries.  They perform surgery and
prescribe drugs.  Like optometrists, they also examine eyes and
prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses.  Dispensing opticians fit
and adjust eyeglasses and in some States may fit contact lenses
according to prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or
optometrists.  (See statements on physicians and dispensing
opticians elsewhere in the Handbook.)

   Most optometrists are in general practice.  Some specialize in work
with the elderly, with children, or with partially sighted persons
who use specialized visual aids.  Others develop and implement ways
to protect workers' eyes from on-the-job strain or injury.  Some
specialize in contact lenses, sports vision, or vision therapy.  A
few teach optometry or do research.

   Most optometrists are private practitioners who also handle the
business aspects of running an office, such as developing a patient
base, hiring employees, keeping records, and ordering equipment and
supplies.  Optometrists who operate franchise optical stores may
also have some of these duties.

   Optometrists provide most of the primary vision care people need.

Working Conditions

Optometrists work in places usually their own offices that are
clean, well lighted, and comfortable.  The work requires attention
to detail and manual dexterity.  Most full-time optometrists work
about 40 hours a week, but a substantial number work more than 50
hours a week.  Many work Saturdays and evenings to suit the needs of
patients, but emergency calls are few.

Employment

Optometrists held about 31,000 jobs in 1992.  The number of jobs is
greater than the number of practicing optometrists because some
optometrists hold two or more jobs.  For example, an optometrist may
have a private practice, but also work in another practice, clinic,
or vision care center.

   Although many optometrists are in solo practice, a growing number
are in partnership or group practice.  Some optometrists work as
salaried employees of other optometrists or of ophthalmologists.
Others work in hospitals, health maintenance organizations (HMO's),
or retail optical stores.

   Some optometrists are consultants for industrial safety programs,
insurance companies, manufacturers of ophthalmic products, HMO's,
and others.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

All States and the District of Columbia require that optometrists be
licensed.  Applicants for a license must have a Doctor of Optometry
degree from an accredited optometry school and pass both a written
and a clinical State board examination.  In many States, applicants
can substitute the examinations of the National Board of Examiners
in Optometry, usually taken during the student's academic career,
for part or all of the written examination.  Licenses are renewed
every 1 to 2 years and in most States, continuing education credits
are needed for renewal.

   The Doctor of Optometry degree requires completion of a 4-year
program at an accredited optometry school preceded by at least 3
years of preoptometric study at an accredited college or university
(most optometry students hold a bachelor's degree).  In 1993, 17
U.S.  schools and colleges of optometry were accredited by the
Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric
Association.

   Requirements for admission to schools of optometry include courses
in English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.  A few
schools require or recommend courses in psychology, history,
sociology, speech, or business.  Applicants must take the Optometry
Admissions Test (OAT), which measures academic ability and
scientific comprehension.  Most applicants take the test after their
sophomore or junior year.  Competition for admission is keen.

   Optometry programs include classroom and laboratory study of health
and visual sciences, as well as clinical training in the diagnosis
and treatment of eye disorders.  Included are courses in
pharmacology, optics, biochemistry, and systemic disease.

   Business ability, self-discipline, and the ability to deal tactfully
with patients are important for success.

   Optometrists wishing to teach or do research may study for a
master's or Ph.D.  degree in visual science, physiological optics,
neurophysiology, public health, health administration, health
information and communication, or health education.  One-year
postgraduate clinical residency programs are available for
optometrists who wish to specialize in family practice optometry,
pediatric optometry, geriatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation,
vision therapy, contact lenses, hospital based optometry, and
primary care optometry.

Job Outlook

Employment of optometrists is expected to grow about as fast as the
average for all occupations through the year 2005 in response to the
vision care needs of a growing and aging population.  The maturing
of the baby-boom generation, together with rapid growth in the
elderly population will drive this growth.  Persons over the age of
45 visit optometrists and ophthalmologists more frequently because
of the onset of vision problems in middle age and the increased
likelihood of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, and hypertension in old
age.  Employment of optometrists will also grow due to greater
recognition of the importance of vision care, rising personal
incomes, and growth in employee vision care plans.

   Employment of optometrists would grow more rapidly were it not for
anticipated productivity gains which will allow each optometrist to
see more patients.  These gains will result from greater use of
optometric assistants and other support personnel, and the
introduction of new equipment.

   Replacement needs are low.  In this occupation, replacement needs
arise almost entirely from retirements and deaths.  Optometrists
generally remain in practice until they retire; few transfer to
other occupations.

Earnings

According to the American Optometric Association, new optometry
graduates in their first year of practice earned median net income
of about $45,000 in 1992.  Overall, optometrists earned median net
income of about $75,000.  Optometrists in private practice generally
earned more than salaried optometrists.

   Incomes vary depending upon location, specialization, and other
factors.  Salaried optometrists tend to earn more initially than
optometrists who set up their own independent practice.  However, in
the long run, those in private practice generally earn more.

Related Occupations

Workers in other occupations who apply scientific knowledge to
prevent, diagnose, and treat disorders and injuries are
chiropractors, dentists, physicians, podiatrists, veterinarians,
speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.

Sources of Additional Information

   For information on optometry as a career, and a listing of
accredited optometric educational institutions, as well as required
preoptometry courses write to:

   American Optometric Association, Educational Services, 243 North
Lindbergh Blvd., St.  Louis, MO 63141-7881.

   The Board of Optometry in each State can supply information on
licensing requirements.

   For information on specific admission requirements and sources of
financial aid, contact the admissions officer of individual
optometry schools.